Senior Research Administrator

Morehouse School of Medicine

Atlanta (GA)

On-site

USD 95,000 - 130,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta seeks a Senior Research Administrator to provide advanced, independent leadership across complex pre- and post-award sponsored research activities, managing high-risk, high-dollar awards and proposals.

You will serve as a subject-matter expert on sponsor requirements, mentor staff, forecast budgets, ensure compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance, and collaborate with PIs and central offices to drive successful, auditable outcomes.

Qualifications

Advanced degree or equivalent experience.
Experience in sponsored research administration in academic, medical, or research settings.
Knowledge of federal regulations (NIH, NSF, OMB Uniform Guidance).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

Lead advanced post-award oversight of complex, multi-PI awards and portfolio.
Oversee cost allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and compliance.
Forecast burn-rate, conduct scenario planning, and mitigate deficits.
Manage subrecipient monitoring, cost transfers, and audit inquiries.
Support pre-award activities for high-value proposals and budgets.
Mentor junior staff and develop SOPs and training materials.

Skills

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Employment in this role may be contingent upon extramural funding and successful performance and may be terminated or reduced in percentage of appointment if such funding is not secured or ceases to be available.

Position Information

About MSM

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a place of distinction, serving as the nation’s leading academic medical center for vulnerable populations. It’s also a place for passionate individuals looking to join a dedicated community working today to help prepare tomorrow’s leaders.

Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities;
Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce;
Address primary health care through programs in education, research and service;
With emphasis on people of color and the under-served urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation and the world.

At Morehouse School of Medicine, we’re leading the creation and advancement of health equity. You will find a fulfilling career at MSM !

Posting Number

NONAC3813

Job Title

Senior Research Administrator

Position Title

Senior Research Administrator

Position Type

Non-Faculty

Number of vacancies

Salary

Commensurate with experience

Position Summary

SummaryThe Senior Research Administrator provides advanced, independent leadership across complex pre- and post-award sponsored research activities. This role manages high-risk, high-dollar, and institutionally sensitive awards and proposals, serves as a subject matter expert for complex sponsor requirements, and acts as a trusted advisor to faculty, department leadership, and central offices. The Senior Research Administrator operates with minimal supervision and is expected to anticipate risk, resolve escalated issues, and mentor less experienced staff.

Core Responsibilities

Advanced Post-Award Oversight (80%)
Independently manage a complex portfolio of sponsored projects, including large-scale, multi-year, multi-PI, center, training, clinical, and cooperative agreement awards.
Provide expert-level oversight of cost allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency under OMB Uniform Guidance.
Lead financial risk management for awards with cost sharing, program income, clinical trial activity, participant support, and carryforward restrictions.
Conduct proactive financial forecasting, burn-rate analysis, and scenario planning with PIs to prevent deficits and late-stage corrections.
Resolve complex post-award issues, including cost transfers, retroactive adjustments, sponsor prior approvals, and audit inquiries.
Oversee complex subrecipient monitoring, including risk assessments, invoice escalations, corrective actions, and coordination with GMO / OSP.
Lead award closeout for complex projects, ensuring timely, accurate final financial reports and documentation.
Other duties as assigned.
Advanced Pre-Award Leadership (10%)
Lead pre-award development for complex, high-value, and high-risk proposals (e.g., NIH multi-project grants, P50/P30, U-series, NSF centers, foundations, industry-sponsored research).
Develop complex budgets and budget justifications involving multiple institutions, cost sharing, foreign components, clinical costs, and regulatory considerations.
Interpret and apply nuanced sponsor guidelines, special award terms, and policy exceptions.
Advise PIs strategically on proposal structure, budget strategy, and sponsor expectations.
Coordinate and lead internal reviews for complex submissions, ensuring alignment with institutional risk tolerance.
Other duties as assigned.
Systems, Process Improvement & Mentorship (10%)
Serve as a senior subject matter expert for research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse, financial reporting tools).
Identify systemic issues and recommend process improvements to reduce risk, rework, and cycle times.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to Research Administrators and junior staff on complex cases.
Develop advanced job aids, decision trees, and training content for complex pre- and post-award scenarios.
Partner with the Operational Compliance Manager to ensure consistent application of SOPs and internal controls.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Advanced degree or equivalent experience
Experience in sponsored research administration in an academic, medical, or research environment
Knowledge of federal regulations ( NIH , NSF , OMB Uniform Guidance) – Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise judgment, and work collaboratively across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

CRA , CPRA , CFRA certification or equivalent preferred

Closing Date

01/15/2027

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Morehouse School of Medicine is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Georgia State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Morehouse School of Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

Job Duties

Pre-Employment/Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization

Immunization Requirements

It is MSM’s Immunization policy that all Prospective Employees are encouraged to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID -19 prior to commencement of employment. If employment will commence during Flu Season, MSM requires all individuals to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless granted an exemption. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain an exemption from MSM will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Describe your experience leading the development and submission of a complex, high-value proposal, such as an NIH multi-project, P-series, U-series, center grant, cooperative agreement, or multi-institutional proposal. What was your role in developing the budget, interpreting sponsor requirements, coordinating stakeholders, and advising the PI through submission? (Open Ended Question)
Tell us about a complex compliance or financial issue you identified involving a sponsored award. How did you apply OMB Uniform Guidance and/or sponsor-specific requirements to assess the issue, mitigate institutional risk, and resolve the matter? (Open Ended Question)
Describe your experience independently managing a complex sponsored research portfolio. Please include examples of the types and dollar value of awards you managed, sponsoring agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF), and your responsibilities related to forecasting, financial reporting, cost transfers, subrecipient monitoring, and award closeout. (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents